RULE CHANGE HAUNTS HOWE

Semenyo to face Toon after cup-tied status scrapped

- BY LEE RYDER

EDDIE HOWE is taking a rule change on the chin as the Newcastle head coach prepares to face former transfer target Antoine Semenyo.

Manchester City’s £64 million signing is clear to face the Magpies in the semifinal despite featuring for Bournemouth this term in the Carabao Cup, with players permitted to feature for two clubs in the same season after cup-tied rules were scrapped in the competition.

The rule is a bone of contention for the Toon, given Martin Dubravka was unable to replace the suspended Nick Pope in the 2023 final after playing for the Red Devils earlier that season.

But Semenyo, fresh from a debut goal in the 10-1 win against Exeter in the FA Cup, will be part of Pep Guardiola's side against Newcastle.

Howe said: “It was nice to find out that rule had changed after finding out they'd signed him.